Looking for a few things to throw during the cold winter months? Check out this list of my Top 5 baits for winter time fishing I put together to help you put more fish in the boat this winter.
5. Keitech Swing Impact Fat 2.8 and 3.3
When paired with electronics and a simple ball jighead the small Keitech can be deadly in the winter months on bass feeding on balls of shad looking for an easy meal. Can also be fished on an Alabama rig around schooling fish to trigger a response from the school.
I pair this on one of two combos: G. Loomis IMX-PRO 855 CBR with a Shimano Curado 150 MGL 6:2:1
Shimano Zodias 7’0 MLA with a Shimano NASCI 2500
A-Rig combo
7’5” HA Shimano Zodias with a Shimano SLX XT 7.2:1
Key colors: French Pearl, Gizzard Shad, Electric Blue Chartreuse.
4. Speed cranking Rapala DT-6/DT-8, SPRO RKCRAWLER DD55
When going after a trigger bite and a core response nothing beats throwing a crankbait as fast as possible. While everyone is freezing and holding a spinning rod you can be warm as can be burning a crankbait.
Combos: Shimano Intenza 7’0” MG crankbait rod with a Shimano Canaan 7.2:1
G Loomis IMX-PRO 855 CBR with a Shimano Curado 150 MGL 7.2:1
Key colors: Rapala- Big shad, IKE’s custom ink, and Carribean Shad. SPRO- Red Bug, Green Craw, Ozark craw.
3. Blade Baits
The original silver buddy has caught countless giant smallmouth but is often overlooked as a method of catching green ones and can be deadly.
Combos: 7’2” MA Shimano Zodias paired with a Shimano Curado 150 MGL
2. Megabass vision 110, Shimano World Minnow, and Berkely Stunna 112
Jerkbaits are no secret to those who don’t winterize their boats, you can speed up, slow down, fish deep or shallow, and allow that bait to sit right in front of fish and make them bite. Jerkbaits are one of those bait categories you do not want to fear a price tag, much like a Jackhammer ChatterBait you will get bites on these versus other options due to the meticulous design and suspend features.
Combos: 6’10” MA Shimano Curado with a Shimano SLX XT XG
1. The Jig
The Jig is one of those things synonymous with catching big bass all over the country and in every season. Don’t be afraid to upsize the profile in the cold water to trigger a feed response. I like to throw a ½ to ¾ ounce football jig with either a Smallie Beaver or full-size Beaver type bait to trigger big bites in the winter.
Combo: ½ to ¾: 7’6” MHA Shimano Expride paired with a Shimano Metanium XG
3/8 and less: 7’2” MHA Shimano Exage with a Shimano SLX XT HG
Winter fishing can be one of the best times of the year to catch the biggest bass in the lake and have it all to yourself. You can find me and all of these baits, rods, reels, and anything else you might need over at The Tackle Box in South Point Ohio. I look forward to seeing you guys on the water!
